An automatic sliding gate can be used for both commercial and private properties. However, for your gate to get the job done, it needs to have the right safety systems in place. Here’s what you should know before installing it, why you should take gate safety concerns seriously, and how to reduce the safety hazards associated with them.
What to know before installing a sliding gate
A sliding gate with an access control system can help you guard your property, or increase your building’s security. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a gate that fits your needs and budget.
Gate size and space
Your driveway space needs to be measured before the gate can be installed. Precise measurements will let the installer determine the size of the gate and whether or not you can even have one on your property. If there’s not enough space for an ordinary sliding gate, a folding gate could be your best option.
Number of posts
Another thing to do is calculate how many posts the gate needs. Of course, different types of gates require different numbers of posts. This means that you need to know which gate you want before you can know the post number.
Power supply
The amount of power that you’ll need depends on the features your gate. For example, a remote system requires an additional power supply. Nonetheless, you just need to make sure that there’s a power supply near the gate and that you choose a gate that’s right for your property.
The biggest safety concerns for sliding gates
Sliding gates can pose serious safety concerns, and it’s in your best interest to take these concerns seriously. Here are some common concerns for sliding gate owners and how you can avoid any problems to keep your property and on those on it safe.
Collision concerns
When the gate opens and closes, it can potentially hit a vehicle, person, or an animal. The collision risk also involves many factors, including the speed at which the gate opens and close, it’s height, and it’s weight. If you have children or elderly living near the gate, take every safety measure possible to eliminate any collision concerns.
Crushing concerns
Again, the gate can crush a vehicle, pet, person, or anything that gets in its way. And while sliding gates aren’t as dangerous as swing gates, for example, they can still cause a lot of harm if not installed properly. In fact, it can easily crush anything in its path if there’s not enough space between it and the fence.
Pushing concerns
The main concern here is that your gate could push a senior citizen or a child. This could potentially knock them down, causing bruising, scrapes, or even broken bones. Also, if the sliding systems works too quickly, a person won’t have enough time get out of the way before it's too late. You can also install more photocells on the interior side to reduce the gate’s impact.
Advice for sliding gate owners
While it’s the responsibility of the manufacturer/installer to ensure that the gate is installed correctly and safely, you as the owner need to ensure that everything is running smoothly. This includes teaching others how to use it properly and predicting potential problems. Here’s how to reduce safety hazards and how to know when it’s time to contact a repair service.
Access control
The best way to prevent many accidents down the line is to limit the access to gate control. Access control is important, because it lets you check the knowledge levels of those coming through the gate. It also lets you help them learn how to use the controls properly. Limiting the number of those with access will mean less use, less maintenance, and increased lifetime expectancy of certain components.
Hazard identification
Identifying potential hazards will help you avoid problems that could arise during the gate’s lifetime. These problems even include how many times a day you expect to use the gate and in what weather conditions you expect to use it. To identify potential hazards as early as possible, it’s best to talk to the gate installation company about safety. The company can help you spot specific problems that could occur down the line.
Risk assessment
Risk assessment helps you know how big of a problem can the gate cause in case of an accident. Identifying certain “danger zones” is one way to do this. These are zones near the gate that could prove more dangerous if a person were to stay in them when the gate is in operation. In short, you need to know which parts of the gate can cut, impact, or crush a person and how much damage the gate could cause in this situation.
For more information
Sliding gates have proven to be a great option for private and commercial properties. If you have one installed, always prioritize the safety of those who use it, and always stay up to date on its services and repairs.
For more information on sliding gates and their safety, contact United Fence & Construction at (501) 222-8925, or submit this form to speak with a professional about your property needs. We bring more than 65 years of experience in installing safe sliding gates. Our team of trained professionals will help you put up a gate, give you tips on how to maintain it, and help you repair it if needed.
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